Independent storage architecture

ABSTRACT

A computer storage method is disclosed for providing data storage independent of an underlying architecture is disclosed. Initially, a file system request is received, where the file system request is configured in a first format based on a first operating system. The file system request is communicated to a file system translator via a communication channel, and the file system configures the file system request into a second format based on a second operating system utilizing the file system translator. The file system request is then performed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following applications: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/662,368 filed Sep. 13, 2000, and entitled “File Consistency Protocols and Methods for Carrying out the Protocols”; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/648,807 filed Oct. 6, 2000, and entitled “N-Way Data Mirroring System and Methods for Using The Same”. Each of these related applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer storage, and more particularly to computer storage systems and methods that are independent of consumer file systems, server file systems, specific bus and network protocols, drivers, I/O bus and/or other transport components or architectures which are typically found in a computing environment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Today, more and more reliance is being placed on computers to create, edit, modify, and store important documents. With this reliance, comes the need for increased versatility in the ability to store and retrieve data. There are several techniques available today for facilitating computer storage, and as will be seen, more versatility in computer information storage is needed.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a conventional local storage system 100.

The local storage system 100 includes a user computer 102 and a storage device 112 coupled to the user computer 102 via a peripheral interconnect 114. The user computer 102 has executed thereon an application 104, an operating system (O/S) having a local file system 106, a driver 108 for an input/output (I/O) device 110 that controls the storage device(s) 112.

To store and retrieve data for the storage device 112, the application 104 typically transmits a request to the local file system 106, which in turn passes the file system request to the device driver 108. The device driver 108 converts the file system request into a block-level I/O request that is then passed from I/O device 110 over the peripheral interconnect 114 to the storage device 112.

The I/O request then completes and the completion result is passed back up through the I/O device 110, driver 108, and local file system 106. The data is either placed into system memory, for a disk READ operation, or placed on the storage device 112 for a disk WRITE command.

To provide increased flexibility the network file system (NFS) has been used to store data remotely from a user computer. FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a prior art network file system 150. The network file system 150 includes a user computer 102 and a storage computer 130 coupled to the user computer 102 via a network 116. Using the conventional NFS 150 a user can store data on a remote server 130 that is executing the same or a compatible O/S as the user computer 102.

To accomplish remote NFS storage, the user computer 102 includes an application 104, a network file system 120, protocols 122, a network driver 124, and a network interface card (NIC) 126 coupled to the network 116 via transport 128. The storage computer 130 includes a corresponding NIC 126, network driver 124, protocols 122, and file system 120. In addition, the server 130 includes a device driver 108, and an I/O device 110 coupled to a storage device 112 via a peripheral interconnect 114.

In the conventional NFS 150, the network file system 120 replaces the local file system 106 of FIG. 1A, and is typically layered on TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocols 112. To store and retrieve data using NFS 150, the application 104 typically transmits a file system request to the network file system 120, through the protocol stacks 122 to the network driver 124. The network driver 124 then transmits the request from the NIC 126 of the user computer 102 to the NIC 126 of the storage computer 130 via the network 116 and transport connections 128.

When received by the NIC 126 on the storage computer 130, the request is passed through the network driver 124 and protocol stacks to the file system 120, which in turn passes the file system request to the device driver 108 of the storage computer 130. The device driver 108 then converts the file system request into a block-level I/O request that is passed from I/O device 110 to the storage device 112 via the peripheral interconnect 114.

When the I/O request completes, the result is passed back up through the I/O software layers of both the storage computer 130 and the user computer 102 using the network 116. The data is then either placed into the memory of the user computer for a READ operation, or placed on the storage device 112 for a WRITE command.

A problem with the conventional network file system 150 is that generally both the user computer 102 and the storage computer 130 need to execute the same O/S and file system 120. Thus, if the user computer 102 is executing on WINDOWS NT, the storage computer 130 also needs to execute WINDOWS NT for the network file storage system 150 to operate properly.

Thus, if the storage computer 130 is used with a plurality of user computers 102, all the user computers 102 generally must execute the same O/S and file system 120 as is executed on the storage computer 130. However, it is not always desirable to use a particular O/S for a particular application. Hence, different users often operate under different O/S's, and therefore may not be able to share the storage system 150 of a remote computer in this way.

In view of the forgoing, there is a need for a storage system that is capable of operation independent of the operating systems' limitations and which allows the storage not to be hosted by another computer system. The storage system should be capable of storing data remotely and capable of operating independently of any particular consumer computers' O/S. Further, the storage system should be capable of operating with reduced user configuration or networking knowledge, such that the user generally does not need to learn how to use a configure complex networked file and storage systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly speaking, the present invention fills the needs described above by providing a storage system capable of providing data storage independent of a consumer computer architecture, independent of the transport, and independent of various network operating system environments. In one embodiment, a computer storage method for providing file storage access independent of protocol, driver and transport architectures is disclosed. Initially, a file system request is received by a software transport abstraction, where the file system request is configured in a first format based on a first operating system. The file system request is communicated to a file system translator via a communication channel, and the file system configures the file system request into a second format based on a second operating system utilizing the file system translator. The file request is then executed.

Another computer storage method that provides data storage independent of an underlying transport architecture is disclosed in another embodiment of the present invention. Initially, a file system request is received from a requesting computer, where the file system request is configured in a first format based on a first operating system. The file system request is then configured into a second format based on a second operating system utilizing a file system translator. The file system request is then executed, read or write performed, and a result is obtained. The completion result is then communicated back to the requesting computer via a communication channel. (Completion result may be success, failure or success with exception.)

In a further embodiment, an independent computer storage system is disclosed. The independent computer storage system includes an independent storage driver that is capable of accepting file system requests configured in a first format based on a first operating system. Further included is a file system translator that is in communication with the independent storage driver via a communication channel. The file system translator is capable of configuring the file system request into a second format based on a second operating system. A second file system capable of performing the file system request when the file system request is configured in the second format is also included in the system.

In yet a further embodiment, another independent computer storage system is disclosed. The system includes a computer processor and an operating system capable of being executed on the computer processor, where the operating system includes a file system. The system also includes a file system translator capable of configuring a file system request into a format usable by the file system. In addition, a communication channel is included that is in communication with the file system translator. The communication channel provides a transport independent communication link between the file system translator and an independent storage driver resident on a requesting (consumer) computer.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention can provide platform-independent storage for consumer computers, regardless of underlying hardware, software, including the operating system, protocols or physical transport. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a conventional local storage system;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a prior art network file storage system;

FIG. 2 is a high-level illustration of an independent storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a remote independent storage system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an independent storage logical platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a communication channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing an exemplary communication channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing another exemplary communication channel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing an independent storage system supporting multiple file types, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a block diagram showing an independent storage system supporting a single file type, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for providing data storage independent of an underlying architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is block diagram showing a system for independent storage-to-storage communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for providing independent storage using an independent storage node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An invention is disclosed for an independent storage system in a (distributed) computer environment. The present invention provides data storage independent from the particular operating systems executing on associated user computers. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B were described in terms of the prior art. FIG. 2 is a high-level illustration of an independent storage system 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The independent storage system 200 includes a consumer computer 202 coupled to a network 204 via transport connection 210. Also included in the independent storage system 200 is a first and second independent storage node 206 a and 206 b, each coupled to the network 200 via an associated transport connection 210, and each coupled to an associated storage device 208 a and 208 b.

The network 204 can be any network or other transport capable of providing communication between computers, such LAN, or a WAN, such as the Internet, a bus, or wireless technology. The independent storage nodes 206 a and 206 b can be any type of node capable of receiving storage based commands over the network 204 and storing data to the associated storage device 208 a and 208 b. In one embodiment, the independent storage nodes 206 a and 206 b are nodes that include some intelligence, transport capability, I/O hardware capable of transmitting and receiving data via the transport connection 210 coupled the network 204, and software to perform the necessary file storage operations. The consumer computer 202 is typically a personal computer coupled to the network via a transport hardware, which a user uses to store and retrieve needed data.

The independent storage system 200 is capable of providing data storage to the consumer computer 202 remotely from the consumer computer 202 and independent of the particular operating system and file system executing on the consumer computer 202. In operation, a user utilizes the consumer computer 202 to run an application. When the user desires to store data, the user selects a destination for the data. The data is then transmitted from the consumer computer 202 though the transport connections 210 and network 204 to an independent storage node 206, such as independent storage node 206 a, which then places the data on the associated storage device 208.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an application executing on the consumer computer 202 interacts with a storage device 206 a of an independent storage node 206 a as if the storage device 206 a were local to the consumer computer 202. In this embodiment, the application executing on the consumer computer 202 has had the transport specifics used to access the storage device 206 a, and thus interacts with the storage device 206 a as a traditional local drive. In this manner, the user does not need to learn a new file system to utilize the independent storage system 200.

Moreover, the independent storage system 200 can be used by multiple consumer computers 202, regardless of the specific OS executing on each of the consumer computers 202. Each consumer computer 202 can execute a different OS and file system, yet still share information stored on an independent storage node 206. Thus, a first consumer computer 202 executing a WINDOWS NT OS and a second consumer computer 202 executing a UNIX OS can both share the same file data on the storage device 206 a of the independent storage node 206 a. The storage node, 206 a, presents directory and file information in the format that is native to the consumer computers' operating and file systems.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a remote independent storage system 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The independent storage system 300 includes a consumer computer 202 and an independent storage node 206 coupled to the consumer computer 202 via a communication channel 320. As will be discussed in greater detail subsequently, the communication channel 320 instantiates communication between the consumer computer 202 and the independent storage node 206 through the transport 204, which may be a network, a bus, a wireless mechanism or other physical medium.

The consumer computer 202 includes an application 302, a file system 304, and an independent storage driver 306. The consumer computer 202 can be a personal computer, a server, a PDA or any other computing device having a processor, memory, and transport hardware for communicating over the transport 204. As will be discussed later with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, embodiments of the present invention can also be used locally within a single invention.

The independent storage node 206 includes a file system translator 308, a dynamic flat file system 310, a device driver 312, and an I/O device 314 coupled to a storage device 208. The independent storage node 206 can be any type of node capable of receiving storage based commands over the network 204 and storing data to the associated storage device 208. In one embodiment, the independent storage node 206 is a hardware configuration including a processor, memory, and transport hardware capable of transmitting and receiving data via the transport connection coupled the network 204.

It should be noted that the independent storage node 206 is not generally restricted by hardware. Because of the modularity of the embodiments of the present invention, the independent storage node 206 of the embodiments of the present invention can operate in conjunction with many different types of processor, such as DSP or i960 chips.

Embodiments of the present invention make the storage device 208 appear local to the consumer computer 202. Specifically, the independent storage driver 306 appears to the file system 304 of the consumer computer 202 as a typical device driver. Actually, the independent storage driver 306 functions to communicate file system request from the file system 304 to the independent storage node 206 via the communication channel 320 created expressly for this purpose. Hence, the independent storage driver 306 intercepts file system request from the file system 304, and transmits the request to the independent storage node 206. In this manner, embodiments of the present invention can make the storage device 208 appear as a local drive to the application 302 and file system 304 of the consumer computer 202.

In use, the application 302 transmits a file system request to the file system 304, which in turn passes the file system request to the independent storage driver 306. The independent storage driver 306 then transmits the file system request to the file system translator 308 of the independent storage node 206 via the communication channel 320.

The file system translator 308 configures the file system request into a second format based on the file system being executed on the independent storage node 206. For example, in the exemplary independent storage system 300 shown in FIG. 3, the file system translator 308 configures the file system request into a second format based on a flat file system and provides the translated file system request to the dynamic flat file system 310, which provides the request the device driver 312. The device driver 312 converts the translated file system request into a typical block-level I/O request that is then passed from the I/O device 314 to the storage device 208.

Although the examples discussed herein use a flat file system on the independent storage node, it should be borne in mind that any file system can be used. When using a file system other than the flat file system discussed herein, the file system translator 308 configures the file system request into a format based on the file system executing on the independent storage node 206. It should be noted that the translator may be a no-op in some cases.

The dynamic flat file system 310 shown in FIG. 3 is a file system constructed of volume-type, file-type and directory-type objects, structured as an array of objects. In one embodiment, objects are of the class “volume”, “directory” or of the class “file.” Directory and volume objects reference other directories and files associated with the directories. All objects include an entry for their immediate parent object, which may be a node object, a volume object or a directory object.

The dynamic flat file system 310 incorporates object attributes that are a superset of other files system's attributes. In this manner, the dynamic flat file system 310 can represent files from other file systems whose attributes the dynamic flat file system 310 incorporates. As such, the dynamic flat file system 310 enables translation from the other file system formats to the dynamic flat file system 310 format, and vice versa.

The file system translator 308 translates from a disk-resident file system to a native file system format of the requester, and vice versa. To this end, the file system translator 308 combines a parsing and generation function with the ability to create file structures from more abstract attribute list, such as the attribute list of the dynamic flat file system 310. In use, the file system translator 308 reads the attributes for one file and maps those attributes to those that are native to the format that the consumer computer requires.

By using the file system translator 308 and the dynamic flat file system 310, the independent storage node 206 can perform file system request sent from the consumer computer 202 via the independent storage driver 306 regardless of the OS and file system executing on the consumer computer 202. Moreover, the independent storage driver 306 makes the storage device 208 appear local to the consumer computer 202.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an independent storage logical platform 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The independent storage logical platform 400 include transport protocols module 402, a management function 404, file access privileges/security/file system translation module 406, a native file system/drivers module 408, and a hardware platform 41 0.

The independent storage logical platform 400 illustrates the modules used in embodiments of the present invention to make the independent storage system operate. The transport protocols module 402 and management module 404 are used to facilitate transfer of data and commands across the transport. In one embodiment, the transport protocols module 402 and management module 404 are part of the independent storage driver and reside on the consumer computer and the independent storage node. The privileges/security/file system translation module 406 is generally located on the independent storage node to facilitate data security and to translate file system request and data formats from the native file system of the independent storage node to the file system of the consumer computer.

The node-native file system module 408 typically resides on the independent storage node and facilitates access to the storage device driver. In one embodiment, the native file system module 408 includes the dynamic flat file system and associated device drivers. In addition, RAID and N-way Mirror software may be included in the native file system module 408. Finally, the hardware platform 410 represents the actual hardware that the above software modules are executed on.

Each module of the independent storage logical platform 400 includes a well-defined interface that allows dynamic binding of new modules. Further, the modular design allows for platform-specific modules to be interchanged with other modules to facilitate platform independence. For example, an independent storage logical platform 400 created to operate over an Ethernet network can be reconfigured to operate on a Fibre Channel network by replacing the networking protocols module and NIC driver 402 without having to recreate an entire independent storage logical platform 400.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the independent storage logical platform 400 is capable of communicating with a particular O/S environment using a Uniform Driver Interface (UDI) standard. The UDI standard provides a standard driver environment to an O/S. Specifically, the UDI accepts UDI interfaces and translates the interfaces into interfaces specific to the particular O/S to which the UDI was implemented. The UDI also accepts interface messages from the particular O/S and translates these into UDI interfaces usable by UDI based drivers.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention can be used with any O/S that provides a UDI environment without source code changes. Since many operating systems may provide a UDI environment, embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated into many different operating systems and the computer or other hardware platforms on which the OS is implemented.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a communication channel 320, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The communication channel includes an independent storage driver 306, consumer protocol stacks 402 a, consumer transport hardware related driver 500 a, a transport 210, independent storage node transport hardware related driver 500 b, independent storage node protocol stacks 402 b, and a file system translator 308.

The consumer and node transport hardware 500 a and 500 b are NICs that allow communication over the transport 210, such as Ethernet or Fibre Channel NICs. The consumer and node device drivers 500 a and 500 b are device drivers that control the related transport hardware, such as Ethernet drivers or Fibre Channel drivers. The transport 210 is any medium over which data can be communicated using the transport hardware, such as a twisted pair wire or wireless connection. Preferably, the transport 210 supports a transport protocol, such as Internet Protocol (IP), or if the transport is a bus, such as PCI, a bus protocol may be used. The transport 210 can also include a network, such as the Internet. Hence, the consumer side transport hardware 500 a can be in communication with the node transport hardware 500 b via the Internet.

The communication channel 320 uses messaging and/or memory semantics and is a logical connection that is independent of the underlying physical transport 210 and the transport's low-level protocols. The communication channel 320 abstracts the transport driver and transport hardware, and thus presents the application (through an independent storage driver) and storage (through a file system translator and drivers) with a logical direct communication link between the two. That is, communication channel 320 is hidden from upper level applications using the independent storage driver, such that the upper level applications are unaware of the communication channel 320. As will be discussed later, the communication channel 320 may completely reside on a single machine and may not require a NIC, per se. It should be noted that the upper level applications interact with the storage device in essentially the same manner, whether the storage device is local or remote, since embodiments of the present invention make the storage device appear local to upper level applications.

Detailed examples of the transport portions of two communication channels illustrating the transport hardware abstraction achievable using a communication channel are shown next with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing an exemplary transport portion of a communication channel 600 a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary transport portion of the communication channel 600 a includes a first Ethernet driver 602 a, first Ethernet hardware 604 a, a transport 210, second Ethernet hardware 604 b, and a second Ethernet driver 602 b. In the exemplary transport portion of the communication channel 600 a of FIG. 6A, the first Ethernet driver 602 a and hardware 604 a reside on the consumer computer 202. Similarly, the second Ethernet driver 602 b and hardware 604 b reside on the independent storage node 206 in the example of FIG. 6A.

Using the transport portion of the communication channel 600 a, the consumer computer 202 can logically communicate with the independent storage node 206 using the first and second Ethernet drivers 602 a and 602 b. In this manner, the transport portion of the communication channel 600 a forms part of an abstract logical connection between the consumer computer 202 and the independent storage node 206.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing a transport portion of another exemplary communication channel 600 b, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary transport portion of the communication channel 600 b includes an Ethernet driver 602 a, Ethernet hardware 604 a, a transport 210, an Ethernet/Fibre Channel bridge 606, Fibre Channel hardware 608, and a Fibre Channel driver 610. The exemplary transport portion of the communication channel 600 b illustrates one manner in which a communication channel 600 b can be used as a logical communication mechanism that is independent of an underlying transport and its low-level protocols.

In use, data can travel from the Ethernet hardware 604 a across the transport 210 to the Ethernet/Fibre Channel bridge 606. The Ethernet/Fibre Channel bridge 606 translates Ethernet commands into Fibre Channel commands, and vice versa, thus providing a mechanism to allow the Ethernet hardware 604 a to communicate with the Fibre Channel hardware 608. The data then travels from the Ethernet/Fibre Channel bridge 606 to the Fibre Channel hardware 608 to the Fibre Channel driver 610. In this manner, the consumer computer 202 can communicate with the independent storage node 206 despite the difference in transport hardware of the two platforms. Thus, the transport portion of the communication channel 600 b forms part of an abstract logical connection between the consumer computer 202 and the independent storage node 206.

As previously mentioned, the independent storage system of the embodiments of the present invention can be embodied on a single computer system. FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing a local independent storage system 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The local independent storage system 700 includes a consumer computer 202 coupled to a storage device 208 via a peripheral interconnect 702.

The consumer computer 202 includes an application program 302, a file system 304, and independent storage driver 306, and a file system translator 308 in communication with the independent storage driver 306 via a communication channel 320. The consumer computer 202 further includes a dynamic flat file system 310, a device driver 312, and an I/O device 314 coupled to the storage device 208 via the peripheral interconnect 702.

In use, the application 302 transmits a file system request to the file system 304, which in turn passes the file system request to the independent storage driver 306. The independent storage driver 306 then transmits the file system request to the file system translator 308 via the communication channel 320.

Although the storage device is local to the consumer computer 202, the local independent storage system 700 still uses a communication channel 320 to transmit file system request to the file system translator, and vice versa. In this case, the transport could be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus. By using the communication channel 320 as a logical connection, the local independent storage system 700 can be more easily configured to work with a remote independent storage system, such as shown in FIG. 3, since the storage device 208 of both systems will appear local to the consumer computer 202. Thus, when the consumer computer 202 is accessing the storage device 208 of the local independent storage system 700, the communication channel of FIG. 7A could be used. When the consumer computer 202 is accessing the storage device 208 of the remote independent storage system, the communication channel of FIG. 3 could be used.

Referring back to FIG. 7A, the file system translator 308 can configure the file system request into a second format based on the file system being used to storage data on the storage device 208. For example, in the exemplary local independent storage system 700 shown in FIG. 7A, the file system translator 308 configures the file system request into a second format based on a flat file system and provides the translated file system request to the dynamic flat file system 310, which provides the request the device driver 312. The device driver 312 converts the translated file system request into a block-level I/O request that is then passed from the I/O device 314 to the storage device 208. In another embodiment, the dynamic flat file system 310 replaces the native file system 304 of the consumer computer 202. In this embodiment, the file system translator 308 could be excluded from the system 700.

In some embodiments, the file system translation function 308 may not be required, because there may not be a need to support multiple file system types. In this case, the computer's 700 native file system 304 may be used and the communication channel 320 extends from the file system 306 to the storage device, as shown in FIG. 7B. The communication channel 320 in this embodiment is comprised of objects representing a device driver, a bus driver, a local I/O bus and bus interface logic.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method 800 for providing data storage independent of an underlying architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In a preprocess operation 802, preprocess operations are performed. Preprocess operations include mounting file systems and other preprocess operations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In an intercepting operation 804, a file system request is intercepted. An application executing on the consumer computer generates a file system request, which is configured in the format of the O/S executing on the consumer computer. Once generated, the file system request is received by the independent storage driver, which appears to the file system of the consumer computer as a typical device driver. Actually, the independent storage driver functions to communicate file system request from the file system to the independent storage node via the communication channel created expressly for this purpose.

The file system request is communicated to a file system translator, in a communication operation 806. The communication channel uses driver-to-driver communication semantics (messages or memory operations) and is a logical connection that is independent of the underlying physical transport and the transports low-level protocols. The communication channel abstracts the transport driver and transport hardware, and thus presents the independent storage driver and file system translator with a logical direct communication link between the two. Further, the communication channel is hidden from upper level applications using the independent storage driver, such that the upper level applications are unaware of the communication channel. As discussed previously, the communication channel may completely reside on a single machine. It should be noted that the upper level applications interact with the storage device in essentially the same manner, whether the storage device is local or remote, since embodiments of the present invention make the storage device appear local to upper level applications.

In a translation operation 808, the file system translator configures the file system request into a second format based on the O/S executing on the independent storage node. For example, the file system translator could configure the file system request into a second format based on a flat file system and provide the translated file system request to a dynamic flat file system executing on the independent storage node.

The translated file system request is then executed, in operation 810. Having translated and provided the file system request to the file system operating on the independent storage node, the file system provides the request to the device driver. The device driver converts the translated file system request into a block-level I/O request that is then passed from the I/O device to execute the request in conjunction with the storage device.

Post process operations are then performed in operation 812. Post process operations include communication channel maintenance, synchronization of file system data, and other post process operations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide platform independent storage for consumer computers, regardless of underlying hardware, operating system, or physical transport.

FIG. 9 is block diagram showing a system 900 for independent storage communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 900 includes a first independent storage node 206 a and a second independent storage node 206 b in communication with first independent storage node 206 a via a communication channel 320, which may be a network or other technologies. The first independent storage node includes a dynamic flat file system 310 a, a device driver 312 a, and an I/O device 314 a coupled to a storage device 206 a. The second independent storage node includes a dynamic flat file system 310 b, a device driver 312 b, and an I/O device 314 b coupled to a storage device 206 b.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second independent storage nodes 206 a and 206 b preferably utilize the dynamic flat file system 310. Using the communication channel 320, the independent storage nodes 206 a and 206 b can perform execute a file consistency protocol that enables file sharing, locking, and n-way mirroring. As a result, a given consumer computer may share data with other consumer computers both through the locking and sharing mechanisms provided and through the File system translator. The embodiments of the present invention enable heterogeneous file systems to share data in this manner by providing for the translation of the dynamic flat file system to essentially any other file system format.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method 1000 for providing independent storage using an independent storage node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1000 illustrates the operation of a typical independent storage node. In an initial operation 1002, preprocess operations are performed. Preprocess operations include generating a file system request, transmitting the file system request, and other preprocess operations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In a receiving operation 1004, the file system request is received from a requesting computer. Typically, the file system request is in a file system format specific to the requesting computer. In a translation operation 1006, the file system translator configures the file system request into a second format based on the O/S executing on the independent storage node. For example, the file system translator could configure the file system request into a second format based on a flat file system and provide the translated file system request to a dynamic flat file system executing on the independent storage node.

The translated file system request is then executed, in operation 1008. Having translated and provided the file system request to the file system operating on the independent storage node, the file system provides the request the device driver. The device driver converts the translated file system request into a block-level I/O request that is then passed from the P/O device to perform the request in conjunction with the storage device. Results of the performance of the file system request are then obtained and transmitted back to the requesting computer in a communication operation 1010.

Data is transferred per the request and the results obtained from performing the file system request are communicated to the requesting computer using a communication channel, in a communication operation 1010. As previously discussed, the communication channel uses driver-to-driver communication semantics and is a logical connection that is independent of the underlying physical transport and the transports low-level protocols. The communication channel abstracts the transport driver and transport hardware, and thus presents the independent storage driver and file system translator with a logical direct communication link between the two.

Further, the communication channel is hidden from upper level applications using the independent storage driver, such that the upper level applications are unaware of the communication channel specifics. As discussed above, the communication channel may completely reside on a single machine. It should be noted that the upper level applications interact with the storage device in essentially the same manner, whether the storage device is local or remote, since embodiments of the present invention make the storage device appear local to upper level applications.

Post process operations are then performed in operation 1012. Post process operations include communication channel maintenance and other post process operations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide platform independent storage for consumer computers, regardless of underlying hardware, operating system, or physical transport.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer storage method for providing data storage independent of an underlying architecture, comprising the operations of: establishing a communication channel between an application and a storage, the application and the storage residing, in either the same computing system or in separate computing systems, the communication channel being a logical communication link between the application and the storage, the communication channel being hidden from the application; receiving a file system request from the application, the file system request being configured in a first format based on a first operating system; communicating the file system request to a file system translator via the communication channel; configuring the file system request into a flat file system format utilizing the file system translator, the flat file system format being associated with the storage, the flat file system format being based on a dynamic flat file system that uses an array of objects to represent volumes, directories, and files, the dynamic flat file system being capable of including a superset of file attributes from a plurality of file systems; and performing the file system request.
 2. A computer storage method as recited in claim 1, wherein the operation of communicating via the communication channel comprises the operation of transmitting the file system request from a first transport device to a second transport device via a transport medium utilizing a first transport device driver in communication with the first transport device and a second transport device driver in communication with the second transport device.
 3. A computer storage method as recited in claim 2, further comprising the operation of translating a transmission of the file system request from a protocol related to the first transport device to a protocol related to the second transport device utilizing a transport bridge device.
 4. A computer storage method as recited in claim 1, wherein the file system request is transmitted via the Internet.
 5. A computer storage method as recited in claim 1, wherein the file system request is generated by an application executing on a first computer system.
 6. A computer storage method as recited in claim 5, wherein the file system translator is executed on a second computer system remote from the first computer system.
 7. A computer storage method as recited in claim 5, wherein the file system translator is executed on the first computer system.
 8. A computer storage method for providing data storage independent of an underlying architecture, comprising the operations of: establishing a communication channel between an application operating on a requesting computer and a storage, the storage residing in either the requesting computer or in separate computing system, the communication channel being a logical communication link between the application and the storage, the communication channel being hidden from the application; receiving a file system request from the application operating on the requesting computer, the file system request being configured in a first format based on a first operating system; configuring the file system request into a flat file system format utilizing a file system translator, the flat file system format being associated with the storage, the flat file system format being based on a dynamic flat file system that uses an army of objects to represent volumes, directories, and files, the dynamic flat file system being capable of including a superset of file attributes from a plurality of file systems; and performing the file system request, wherein a result is obtained; and communicating the result to the requesting computer via the communication channel.
 9. A computer storage method as recited in claim 8, wherein the result is transmitted via the Internet.
 10. A computer storage method as recited in claim 8, further comprising the operation of generating the file system request using an application executing on a first computer system.
 11. A computer storage method as recited in claim 10, wherein the file system translator is executed on a second computer system remote from the first computer system.
 12. A computer storage method as recited in claim 10, wherein the file system translator is executed on the first computer system.
 13. An independent computer storage system, comprising: an independent storage driver capable of accepting a file system request, wherein the file system request is configured in a first format based on a first operating system; a communication channel representing a logical communication link between the independent computer storage system and an originator of the file system request, the independent computer storage system and the originator of the file system request residing either within a common computing system or within separate computing systems, the communication channel being hidden from the originator of the file system request; a file system translator in communication with the independent storage driver via the communication channel, the file system translator capable of configuring the file system request into a flat file system format; and a dynamic flat file system capable of performing the file system request when the file system request is configured in the flat file system format, the flat file system format being based on the dynamic flat file system that uses an array objects to represent directories and files, the dynamic flat file system being capable of including a superset of file attributes from a plurality of file systems.
 14. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the communication channel comprises: a first transport device; a second transport device coupled the first transport device via a transport medium; a first transport device driver in communication with the first transport device; and second transport device driver in communication with the second transport device.
 15. A system as recited in claim 14, wherein the communication channel further comprises a transport device bridge capable of translating a transmission of the file system request from a protocol related to the first transport device to a protocol related to the second transport device utilizing a transport bridge device.
 16. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the file system request is transmitted via the Internet.
 17. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the file system request is generated by an application executing on a first computer system.
 18. A system as recited in claim 17, wherein the file system translator is executed on a second computer system remote from the first computer system.
 19. A system as recited in claim 17, wherein the file system translator is executed on the first computer system.
 20. An independent-computer storage system, comprising: a processor; an operating system capable of being executed on the processor, the operating system including a flat file system, the flat file system being based on a dynamic flat file system that uses an array of objects to represent directories and files, the dynamic flat file system being capable of including a superset of file attributes from a plurality of file systems; a file system translator capable of configuring a file system request into a format usable by the flat file system; and a communication channel in communication with the file system translator, the communication channel providing a transport independent communication link between the file system translator And an independent storage driver, the communication channel representing a logical communication link between the independent computer storage system and an originator of the file system request, the communication channel being hidden from the originator of the file system request, the independent computer storage system and the originator of the file system request residing either within a common computing system or within separate computing systems.
 21. A system as recited in claim 20, wherein the file system request is generated using an application executing on a first computer system.
 22. A system as recited in claim 21, wherein the file system translator is executed on a second computer system remote from the first computer system.
 23. A system as recited in claim 21, wherein the file system translator is executed on the first computer system. 